Meet Ranna Napoles (she/her), a second-year MSc student at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (RSI). Her research examines the impact of the built environment on people who use mobility devices. Under the guidance of her supervisor, Dr. Alison Novak, Ranna’s work is focused on creating more inclusive, accessible spaces for everyone.
Ranna’s academic journey began at the University of Toronto as an undergraduate student, where she studied within the fields of human biology, physiology, and immunology. However, she soon discovered a passion for understanding the social determinants of health that influence health outcomes. This led her to shift towards rehabilitation research, where she could explore the intersection of environmental factors and individual health experiences. As she reflects on her growth at RSI, Ranna shares, “I’ve learned the importance of collaboration, to reach out for help, and to accept that it’s okay not to have all the answers.” This shift in mindset has allowed her to embrace the challenges of research with a sense of humility and openness.
Research can be a complicated process, with challenges that go beyond just data collection. For Ranna, navigating the intricacies of research has involved managing ethics approvals, budgets, participant recruitment, and scheduling conflicts. She also learned the importance of building people skills, managing anxiety, and developing transferable skills that will be useful no matter what career path she pursues.
One of her most rewarding moments at RSI came from stepping outside her comfort zone with qualitative research. Despite not having formal training in qualitative methods, Ranna took on the challenge and successfully analyzed her data. This culminated in a proud moment:
“The most rewarding part of my experience at RSI was when I presented my qualitative findings at the KITE Research Institute’s Trainee Innovations Showcase. It was a moment that allowed me to push through discomfort and ultimately receive positive feedback from other scientists.”
One of Ranna’s favourite parts of graduate school has been connecting with others. Whether collaborating within her lab or networking across the RSI community, she sees these relationships as essential to both academic success and personal growth. From exchanging ideas to finding support during challenging times, Ranna believes that meaningful connections can shape the entire graduate experience.
Her advice? Get involved.
“The more you engage with others, the more opportunities will arise.”
Ranna has some key advice for those looking to join RSI:
Be authentic: “When applying, be yourself. Your transferable skills, even if you don’t have research experience, are valuable.”
Ask for help: “Don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor or peers when you need support.”
Engage with the community: “Networking – both academically and socially – is so important. You’ll be amazed at how many connections you can make just by putting yourself out there.”
In her day-to-day life, Ranna has a couple of go-to spots to help her stay productive and energized. She loves studying on the 10th floor of the RSI building, calling it her “secret weapon” for productivity. For quick snacks, she keeps granola bars handy, though her true indulgence is bubble tea. She often heads to Village by the Grange for a refreshing treat, saying, “Bubble tea is my reward for getting work done – it helps me recharge!”
One of Ranna’s most memorable experiences at RSI was attending Research Day, an annual highlight of the academic calendar. She describes it as a “mini conference,” where students present their work and learn from each other. “It’s such a welcoming event,” she says. “You get to connect with your peers and see what everyone else is working on. It’s a great mix of academic rigour and social connection.”
To summarize her experience at RSI, Ranna chose the following three emojis:
🤯 – For those “aha” moments when things finally click.
🤝 – Representing the collaborative spirit at RSI.
👥 – Highlighting the importance of connections and community.
Ranna’s favourite course was REH3301H – Knowledge Translation in Rehabilitation: Foundational Knowledge and Innovative Applications, which taught her how to make research accessible to the broader community. She also appreciated REH1501H – Disordered and Restorative Motor Control, which offered a deep dive into clinical evaluation tools and methodologies.
Beyond the classroom, she believes one of the most valuable aspects of RSI is the sheer number of opportunities available to students – whether through workshops, networking events, or collaborative projects. “RSI offers so many chances to learn and grow beyond your coursework. There’s always something happening here!”
As Ranna continues her research, she is excited to build on the experiences and connections she has made at RSI. Her work on accessibility and the built environment is just beginning, and she is eager to make an impact in this important area.
*This article is featured in the inaugural issue of the RSI Newsletter.